Carts had the most impact on recycling participation rates (even more so than incentives) and increased recycling participation by:

30% increase in the incentive area (North Sulphur Springs)

28% increase in the non-incentive area (Belmont Heights/Ybor)

Recommendations based on Findings:

Increase targeted recycling education to residential households

Make the reward or incentive program an annual event and target specific areas of the City to increase participation

Convert to single stream automated carts without incentives

Commercial Recycling Pilot Components:

Collection of recycling data from commercial businesses located in the 2 target areas

Development and execution of a survey of commercial businesses in the target areas (the primary purpose of the survey was to understand the barriers that may hinder recycling participation, as well as the incentives that could potentially increase recycling rates)

Driver data tracking reports

Educational materials and pilot announcement

Waste assessments of the commercial businesses

Procurement of recycling containers and supplies

Commercial Pilot Findings:

For all the days data was provided, recycling participation was 100%

As a result of the commercial survey, strong interest in commercial recycling was expressed by Ybor City businesses

All five businesses expressed concerns re: missed pickups, overflows, and the need to make calls

Targeted commercial businesses had a 100% participation rate

Waste assessments are an effective tool to promote commercial recycling

As a result of the waste assessments, all 5 businesses expanded or improved their recycling programs